HAZARD COMMUNICATION MANUAL
This manual was developed as COMPANY NAME Written Hazard Communication Program as required
under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.
The purpose of the OSHA Communication Standard is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals
produced or imported by chemical manufacturers or importers are evaluated, and that information
concerning their hazards is transmitted to affected employers and employees. A summary of the
standard will be kept on file and used as a reference.
This manual contains an explanation of the employee’s right to know about the chemical substance with
which they work, to which they are exposed, how to protect themselves, the list of chemical substances
in the work area along with corresponding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and an explanation of
how to use and understand the MSDS.
The program describes the policy for evaluating hazardous chemicals along with guidelines for
developing appropriate MSDS’s and the labeling of the product. Also explained is use of personal
protective equipment which is made available to employees after proper training is given.
The program further describes how communication is made with contractors to assure their employees
are adequately informed of the hazards to which they may be exposed to while on our property and to
assure that contractors provide COMPANY NAME with appropriate information concerning hazards of
materials they bring onto COMPANY NAME property.
CHAPTER I
The Hazard Communication Standard requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the
hazards of the chemicals they produce or import. This information must be transmitted to employers
downstream and made available to the employees. The standard covers products containing hazardous
substances with the exception of:
1. Hazardous Wastes
2. Tobacco Products
3. Wood Products
4. Foods, drugs, or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by employees in the
workplace.
The manufacturer or importer must determine which chemicals are hazardous based upon certain
criteria spelled out in the standard. The hazards associated with mixtures of chemicals will be
considered to be the same as for the individual components unless the mixture as a whole has been
tested.
The standard requires employers to have a written communication program. It must include:
1. A list of hazardous chemicals found in the workplace.
2. The methods used to inform employees of the hazards associated with non-routine tasks.
3. Unlabeled pipes and methods of informing outside contractors of hazards associated with
materials found in the workplace.
Containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled to warn the users of potential hazards associated
with the material. Exception to this rule includes small temporary transfer containers. The type of label
is not specified in the standard and may contain warning signs, symbols and pictographs, as well as
words.
All hazardous chemicals shipped by a manufacturer or importer to a customer for the first time must be
accompanied by a material safety data sheet (MSDS). These MSDS’s, along with labels, are the primary
method for transmitting hazard information. The employer:
1. Must keep a MSDS for each hazardous material in the workplace.
2. These MSDS’s must be made available to the employees whenever the chemical is in use.
3. Employees who work with hazardous chemicals must be trained about the hazards associated
with those materials and about provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard.
If a company determines that revealing the chemical composition of a product would damage its
competitive position, it may choose to claim that such information is a "trade secret". It can then
withhold information about the specific chemical composition of the material, noting confidentiality on
the MSDS. However, information concerning hazards associated with the material must be released.
It will be COMPANY NAME responsibility to make sure all employees are trained, products are labeled,
and that all hazardous chemicals are accompanied with a material safety data sheet.
A master list of Hazardous chemicals at COMPANY NAME will be maintained in the following locations:
1.
2.
3.
*** The presence of a chemical on this list does not, in itself, constitute a danger. The degree of
exposure, route of entry into the body, concentrations of the various components, and methods of
application or operation all play important roles in the degree of hazard presented by a particular
chemical. All of these factors must be considered in assessing the degree of the hazard.
Questions concerning any listed chemicals or material in the work area should be directed to
________________.
CHAPTER II
MSDS INFORMATION
MSDS is the abbreviation for Material Safety Data Sheet. The MSDS is an informational sheet on a
material indicating the chemical and physical characteristics along with information regarding safety
practices to be used when handling the material. The MSDS, along with the product label, is a major
means for providing detailed hazard information about a particular product.
Manufacturers and importers of all hazardous chemicals must obtain or develop a MSDS for each
hazardous chemical. The information must reflect the most current available toxicological information.
The manufacturer or importer is not required to perform their own scientific studies to obtain the new
hazard information unless they choose not to rely on the evaluation performed by the chemical
manufacturer or importer. MSDS’s must be updated periodically as new hazard data becomes available.
The Material Safety Data Sheets must identify:
1. The chemicals in a material.
2. Information about the physical and chemical properties.
3. The hazards that using the product may produce.
4. Physical hazards, particularly relating to fire & explosion are explained.
5. Information on health hazards associated with exposure to the chemical.
6. What signs or symptoms to look for.
7. Ways in which the chemical can enter the body.
8. OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits or ACGIH Threshold Limit Values.
9. Information concerning the safe handling of the material.
10.
Hygienic practices needed.
11.
Clean up procedures.
12.
Protective measures.
CHAPTER III
MSDS PROCEDURE POLICY
1. When purchasing non-stock authorized material by requisition, status of the MSDS for
material ordered will be the responsibility of the person who placed the order.
2. The person who placed the order must request a MSDS for chemicals ordered unless it is
already on file. If possible, write on the purchase order that a MSDS is needed.
3. If there is a question regarding the material you are ordering and whether it requires an
MSDS, contact the Plant Manager or Area Supervisor. It will be the responsibility of the
person who placed the order to know the "status" of the MSDS for the material ordered and to
be sure one is received for filing if required.
4. If an MSDS on a new substance ordered is not secured from the supplier the date the
substance is received at our operation, the receiving department will write to the supplier,
requesting immediate receipt of the MSDS, and keep a copy of that written request for
documented evidence.
COMPANY NAME is required by law to have on a Material Safety Data Sheet on file for material ordered.
Please forward (3) copies with shipment, attached to the packing slip.
5. When the Material Safety Data Sheets are received with the shipment, the Receiving
Department will forward all copies to the Plant Manager or Area Supervisor who will file the
MSDS in the MSDS Binder along with the copy of the Purchase Order.
6. In the absence of MSDS, a temporary data sheet, containing all information known about the
substance, will be used as an alternative until the required sheet is secured from supplier.
7. Material brought in for evaluation or testing must be accompanied by an MSDS unless
product is exempt from MSDS requirements. Person requesting or accepting material for
evaluation or testing is responsible for obtaining MSDS.
MSDS’s for products used by contractors are required to be on file at COMPANY NAME before they bring
material to the work site. The buyer is responsible for obtaining and forwarding to the Plant Manager
the MSDS’s as required by the company's Contractor/Vendor Safety Policy.
Contractors may obtain MSDS's for materials supplied or used by COMPANY NAME at the worksite by
request to the ________________.
CHAPTER IV
DESCRIPTION OF PLAN LABELING POLICIES
A warning label is a visual reminder of the potential hazards associated with the material. The warning
label may consist of printed, written or graphic materials. The purpose of the label is to give a visual
warning and to make users immediately aware of potential hazards. The label may also provide a link to
more detailed information contained in the Material Safety Data Sheet.
Labels must identify:
1. The hazardous chemicals in the material which are regulated by the Standard.
2. Appropriate hazard warnings.
3. Name and address of manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.
Labels must not be removed or defaced unless the container is immediately remarked with the
information as required by the Standard. Identity of the chemical on the label must be given either as
the proper chemical name or common name which allows cross-referencing with the Material Safety
Data Sheet for the material. Trade names, unless they are commonly used and accepted for a given
chemical, may not be sufficient.
There are various manufacturers’ concepts on labeling. Three common systems were developed by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and The
National Paint and Coating Association (NPCA). A brief description and pictorial where applicable of
these labeling concepts follows:
ANSI
The ANSI format uses set statements for hazardous chemicals based on their defined class of hazard for
each material. The set statements include four parameters: the signal work, statements of hazard,
precautionary measures and instructions in case of contact or exposure. These labels may also include
information on fighting fires, containing spills, and storage and handling.
NFPA
The NFPA 704-1980 system is concerned with the health, fire, reactivity and other related hazards
created by short term exposure as might be encountered under fire or related emergency conditions.
The system identifies hazards of a material in terms of three principal categories; namely, "health",
"flammability", and "reactivity". It indicates the order of severity numerically by five divisions ranging
from (4) for severe hazard to (0) which indicates no special hazard. A fourth space is provided to
indicate special instructions such as reactivity with water. The health hazard ratings are established on
the basis of health hazards that would be present under fire conditions. This system applies to chemical
substances not mixtures. See Figure 1.
NPCA
The NPCA developed the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) in 1976. The NPCA format is
a visual system similar to the NFPA system. The health, flammability, and reactivity of materials are
identified by a numerical designation ranging from 0 to 4. A rating of 0 represents a minimal degree of
hazard, a rating of 4 represents a sever degree of hazard. The system consists of a square divided into
four horizontal divisions. The fourth division is used for recommended personal protective equipment.
See Figure 1.
The color codes for both the NFPA and NPCA systems are as follows:
BLUE
-
HEALTH
RED
-
FLAMMABILITY
YELLOW - REACTIVITY
WHITE - PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT OR SPECIAL
HAZARD WARNING INSTRUCTIONS
LABELING DEFINITION
HEALTH (blue)
4) Deadly: short exposure could cause death of major residual injury even with prompt medical
attention. Specialized protective equipment required.
3) Extreme Danger: short exposure could cause serious injury even with prompt medical attention.
Exposure to any part of the body should be avoided.
2) Dangerous: intense or continuous exposure could cause incapacitation or residual injury without
prompt medical attention. Personal protective equipment is indicated.
1) Slight Hazard: exposure would cause irritation or minor injury even if no medical treatment is
provided. Personal protective equipment is indicated.
0) No Hazard: exposure under fire condition offers no significant risk to health beyond that of ordinary
combustible material.
FLAMMABILITY (red)
4) Flammable gases, cryogenic liquids and flammable liquids having a flash point below 73 F and a
boiling point below 100 F. These materials are extremely flammable, volatile or explosive.
3) Liquids or solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. This includes
liquids having a flash point at or below 73 F and a boiling point at or below 100 F.
2) Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high temperature before ignition
occurs. This includes liquids with a flash point above 100 F but not exceeding 220 F.
1) Materials that must be preheated to ignite; i.e. most ordinary combustibles and any liquids, solids or
semisolids having a flash point above 200 F.
0) Materials that will not burn; i.e. any materials that will not burn in air when exposed to a
temperature of 1500 F for a period of (5) minutes.
REACTIVITY (yellow)
4) Self-reactive Materials: i.e. materials that are shock sensitive or are capable of detonation or
explosion at normal temperatures and pressures. No external ignition source is required.
3) Explosive Materials: i.e. materials that are capable of detonation or explosion provided there is an
initial source of heat, shock, or water.
2) Unstable Materials: i.e. materials which do not detonate but undergo violent chemical change at
either ambient or elevated temperature and pressure. This includes water reactive materials.
1) Normally Stable Materials: i.e. materials that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and
pressures. This includes materials which may react with water but not violently.
0) Stable Materials: i.e. materials that are themselves normally stable even when exposed to fire
and/or water.
SPECIAL (white)
Water - reactive materials which demonstrate unusual reactivity in water.
Oxidizer - materials that initiate or promote combustion by spontaneous evolving oxygen at room
temperature or under slight heating.
Radioactive Materials - materials that posses radioactive hazards.
CHAPTER V
TRAINING POLICIES
Hazard Communication Orientation
All employees attend a Hazard Communication orientation when hired. Topics covered during the
orientation session include:
1. Explanation of purpose and effective dates of standard.
2. Health hazard terms and examples.
o
Toxicity vs. exposure.
o
Acute vs. chronic effects and exposures.
o
Routes of entry (Inhalation, absorption, ingestion, injection).
o
Chemical classifications (carcinogens, corrosives, sensitizers, irritants).
o
Toxicity evaluations (oral LD50, skin LD50, inhalation LC50).
o
TWA, PEL, TLV
3. Physical hazard terms and examples
o
Flammables
o
Combustibles
o
Oxidizers
o
Reactivity
4. Explanation of Material Safety Data Sheets
o
Requirements and definition of terms by section of MSDS.
o
Examples of implant MSDS’s.
o
Implant procedures for requisitioning, receipt, recording, and distributing.
o
MSDS’s
5. Labeling requirements
o
Explanation of Standard requirements.
o
Definition of container.
o
Transfer container practices.
o
Examples of labeling systems.
o
Examples of specific product labels.
6. Training
o
Standard requirements.
o
Review of previous training programs.
7. Written Program
o
Examples of Hazard Communication Manual.
o
Explanation of Manuals' Table of Contents.
8. Methods/Observations for Exposures & Protective Measures
o
Air quality monitoring equipment demonstration.
o
Dosimeters, sound level meters.
o
Use of senses: visual.
o
Work practices.
o
Department policy examples.
o
Plant respiratory protection policies.
Employees are provided an opportunity to ask questions at end of each session.
Refresher Training
Refresher training is to be provided by the employee's supervisor whenever a new hazard is introduced
into the work area.
Contractor Education and Training Procedures
OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD 29CFR1910.1200
Contractors are required by above law to have on file with COMPANY NAME Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) for all Hazardous materials they bring to the work site. The company will advise contractors of
any hazards at the work site and make suggestions for appropriate protective measures. MSDS's will be
kept on file for all hazardous material in the area provided by COMPANY NAME.
The safety rules are to be made part of any pertinent purchase orders including vendors performing
specified work such as usual construction contractors, preventive maintenance of office equipment
janitorial, etc. It is the responsibility of the ______________ to obtain and forward to the
_________________ MSDS’s provided by vendors with a copy of the Purchase Order.
It is also the responsibility of the COMPANY NAME to advise vendor/subcontractor of any hazard at the
work site covered by the Standard and make suggestions for appropriate protective measures, prior to
the start of work. Questions on potential hazards at the work site that subcontractors may be exposed
to or on required precautionary measures may be addressed to __________________.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION RECORD
Employee Name: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
The employee named above has received Hazard Communication with:
______ Employees Right to Know
______ OSHA Hazardous Communication Law
______ Training as outlined in Hazard Communication Manual
The above employee comes in contact with the following chemical(s) (list most used chemicals first):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Employee __________________________
Supervisor _________________________
Signature to be kept on file
CHAPTER VI
MSDS DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following is an explanation of terms which may be used on Material Safety Data Sheets.
SECTION 1 - MANUFACTURER'S INFORMATION
Manufacturer's Name and Address
Name and address of manufacturer of subject product.
Telephone Number
Phone number where additional information concerning MSDS or product may be obtained.
Date of Preparation
Using date.
Chemical Name
Scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with nomenclature system as developed by the
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry or the Chemical Abstracts Services rules of
nomenclature; referring to products consisting of a single element or compound such as oxygen or
methyl ethyl ketone.
Common Name
Designated or identification that may be used to identify a chemical other than its chemical name, such
as code name or number, trade or brand name.
Chemical Family
Indicates the general class of compounds in which the hazardous substance is a member. (acids,
ketones).
Trade Name and Synonyms
Look at common names.
Formula
Refers only to chemical formula for single elements or compounds, not to the formulation of a mixture.
SECTION 2 - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Components
The chemical and/or common names of all ingredients determined to be health hazard and comprising
1% or greater of composition (0.1% or greater is a carcinogen).
%WT
The percentage by weight of each chemical component greater than 1% in the total product (0.1 or
greater is a carcinogen).
TLV
Threshold Limit Value developed by ACGIH; exposure level under which most people can work
consistently for 8 hours a day, repeatedly without experiencing adverse effects.
PEL
Permissible exposure limit; employees permitted exposure to any material listed in table z-1-a, z-2, or
z-3 of OSHA regulation 1910.1000, Air Contaminants.
TLV's or PEL's may be expressed in parts of material per million(ppm) parts of air by volume for gases
and vapors, or as milligrams of material per cubic meter (mg/m3) of air for dusts, mists, gases and
vapor.
SECTION 3 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL DATA
Boiling Point
The temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor at a given pressure; normally stated in degrees
Fahrenheit at a sea level pressure of 760 millimeters of mercury. The initial boiling point is generally
considered when addressing a mixture, or the boiling range may be given.
Vapor Pressure
Pressure exerted by a saturated vapor above its own liquid in a closed container and is normally
expressed in millimeters of mercury at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius.
Vapor Density
The relative density or weight of a vapor or gas compared with an equal volume of air; values are
usually given in the ambient temperature range of 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Note: vapors of most flammable liquids are heavier than air.
Specific Gravity
Refers to the ratio of weight of a volume of material to the weight of an equal volume of water at 39.2
degrees F. This determines whether the material floats or sinks in water.
Solubility in Water
Amount of material that can be dissolved in a given volume of water expressed in terms of milligrams
per liter or in general terms as:
Negligible................less than 0.1 percent
Slight.......................0.1 - 1 percent
Moderate................1 - 10 percent
Appreciable.............more than 10 percent
Complete................in all proportions
Percent Volatile by Volume
Percentage of liquid or solid by volume that evaporates at ambient temperature of 70 degrees F.
Evaporation Rate
Rate at which a particular material will vaporize when compared to the rate of vaporization of a known
material such as butyl acetate or ether.
pH Information
Means used to express the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution with neutrality indicated as 7.
Appearance and Odor
Brief description of substance at normal room temperature and atmospheric conditions.
Reactivity in Water
Any solid substance that by interaction with water is likely to become spontaneously flammable or to
give off flammable or toxic gases in dangerous quantities.
SECTION 4 - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air
near its surface or within a vessel.
Flammability Limits (% Vol) LEL and UEL
Indicates the range of concentrations over which a vapor mixed with air will ignite or explode if an
ignition source is present. The data is indicated from the lower explosive limit (LEL) to the upper
explosive limit (UEL) and are expressed in percent by volume of fuel vapor in the air. These values are
usually for normal ambient conditions of temperature and pressure.
Auto Ignition Temperature
The temperature at which a material will self ignite and sustain combustion in the absence of a spark or
flame.
Extinguishing Media
Refers to the fire fighting substance to be used to control the specific material in the event of a fire;
generally named by its generic name, such as fog, foam, water, alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry
chemical, etc.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures
Refers to any special handling procedures in fire fighting and personal protective equipment that should
be used; indicates when certain fire fighting substances have been found to be unsafe and/or ineffective
to control a specific burning material.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
Refers to hazards that might occur as a result of overheating or burning a specific material and should
include chemical reactions or changes in chemical composition or any special hazards involved in
extinguishing the burning material.
SECTION 5 - REACTIVITY DATA
This tells you if the material reacts with other materials or conditions. It lists materials that, when mixed
together, will burn or explode. It also tells you about certain conditions like heat that may make a
chemical unstable or cause a dangerous reaction, such as a fire or explosion. Section 5 contains
reactivity data. An explanation of each of the terms used in this section is provided below.
Stability
Indicates whether a chemical is stable or unstable under reasonable conditions of storage, use, or
misuse. If unstable, those conditions which may cause a dangerous reaction are listed. (EXAMPLE: avoid
shocks; avoid temperatures above 150 degrees F; reacts violently with water, etc.)
This section will indicate any specific conditions to be avoided.
Incompatibility
Any common materials and/or contaminants which should be avoided since contact between these
materials and the chemical would produce a reaction which would release large amounts of energy,
should be indicated. If none, so state.
This section will specifically indicate any materials that must be kept segregated from the chemical
covered by the MSDS to prevent fires, explosions of other problems resulting from contact between the
substances.
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Any hazardous material that would result in dangerous amounts from burning, oxidizing or heating
from welding or burning should be listed. For example, thermal decomposition of vinyl chloride plastics
produces such hazardous material as CO, CO2, and hydrochloric acid.
This section will tell you which products your employees may be exposed to if the material is burned or
heated.
Hazardous Polymerization
A chemical reaction in which molecules of a material unite to form a larger, different material and which
is accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy. Frequently, the energy that is produced is
sufficient to cause ignition, over pressurization of storage container, or other hazardous situations.
Reasonable foreseeable storage conditions which could result in polymerization are generally specified.
Any known inhibitors are indicated along with their expected duration. Care must be taken to ensure
the adequacy of these inhibitors.
This section indicates whether or not a runaway reaction (hazardous polymerization) can occur. If so,
list those reasonably foreseeable storage conditions which would start polymerization. Chemicals which
can be added to the substance to prevent or retard polymerization are referred to as "inhibitors".
Include the expected time period in which the inhibitors may be used up.
SECTION 6 - HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This explains to you how you might feel if you come into contact with a hazardous material, such as a
skin rash, headache or dizziness. It also tells you what to do in case of an emergency and what kind of
first aid to administer.
Route(s) of Entry
A chemical may enter the body either through inhalation, by contact with the skin or eyes, or by being
swallowed.
Health Hazards
Indicates any long term (chronic) or short term (acute) effects of a chemical on the human body.
Carcinogenicity
Indicates whether the chemical causes cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
Indicates and describes the effects of exposure to the chemical, such as an employee's appearance, and
the most common resulting symptoms, for example: headache, dizziness or nausea.
Medical Conditions Severely Aggravated by Exposure
Indicates how the chemical will affect any pre-existing medical conditions.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures
The first aid procedures covered in this section deal only with problems resulting from inhalation, or
from skin or eye contact. These are emergency procedures only. The victim should be examined by a
doctor as soon as possible after exposure.
This section should help you determine whether provisions such as eye wash stations, emergency
showers, first aid kits, and respiratory protection are needed.
SECTION 7 - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Section 7 covers procedures to be followed in the event that spills and leaks occur, as outlined below:
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled
Indicate any applicable precaution such as avoid breathing gases and vapors; avoid contact with liquids
and solids; remove sources of ignition; use of any special equipment, such as glass or plastic scoops, to
be used in cleaning up.
Waste Disposal Methods
Indicates proper disposal of the chemical and contaminated materials.
Precautions to Take in Handling and Storing
Indicates safe handling and storage procedures to be taken to avoid hazardous reactions. This section
will emphasize incompatibility or polymerization problems which could occur during storage or handling
of the chemical.
Other Precautions
Indicates special precautions to use in handling or disposing of the chemical.
SECTION 8 - CONTROL MEASURES
Section 8 covers special protection information. The items are outlined below:
Respiratory Protection
Specifies necessary protection to avoid inhalation overexposure.
This section indicates the proper type of respiratory protection needed when the material is used in the
manner intended, even in non-emergency situations. (Examples include filter-type masks, activated
charcoal type masks, self contained breathing apparatus, etc.)
Ventilation
Indicates type of ventilation needed to avoid overexposure.
This item has several sub parts. Local exhaust ventilation is a ventilation system with high velocity and
low volume that captures a material very soon after its release and before it reaches an employee's
normal breathing zone.
Mechanical ventilation is the normal ventilation used to distribute heated or cooled air in a plant. Again,
these requirements are to be followed when the material is used in its intended manner.
Protective Gloves/Eye Protection/Other Equipment
Indicates type of eye protection, hand protection and/or body protection necessary to provide
protection.
This section should specify whether gloves are required and if so, the type of material they should be
made of to avoid skin contact. It also indicates the appropriate type of eye protection, whether glasses,
goggles or face shield. Other protective equipment would be aprons, boots, etc. and what material they
should be made of to avoid contact. Remember, these requirements are those to be followed when the
material is used in its proper manner.